Unusual Winter Activity of the Ottoman Viper (Montivipera xanthina) in Türkiye

Authors : Çağatay Bayram, Mehmet Kürşat Şahin, Muammer Kurnaz

Pages : 288-291

Doi:10.35229/jaes.1644558

View : 115 | Download : 81

Publication Date : 2025-05-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The seasonal dynamics of reptile species and their responses to fluctuations in environmental temperature play a crucial role in their overall ecological functions. Reptiles are ectothermic organisms, meaning their activity levels are largely influenced by external temperatures. While most reptile species in temperate regions enter a state of hibernation during colder months, some exceptions may occur due to environmental changes. In this study, an unusual instance of winter activity was documented for Montivipera xanthina (Ottoman viper) in the Karalan-Eskişehir region of Turkey. A single individual was observed on November 2, 2024, at an ambient temperature of 18.6°C. This observation provides significant insights into the winter behaviors of reptiles, which are generally considered inactive during this period. A review of existing literature reveals no prior records of Montivipera xanthina exhibiting activity in November or any other winter months. Therefore, this study presents the first known documentation of winter activity in this species, raising questions about the potential effects of climate change on reptilian seasonal behaviors. Rising temperatures and shifting seasonal patterns may be altering the hibernation strategies of reptiles, leading to extended activity periods. Such changes could have ecological consequences, affecting predator-prey interactions, reproductive cycles, and overall species distributions.
Keywords : Sürüngenler, kış davranışları, iklim değişikliği, hibernasyon, sıcaklık.

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